Notre Dame football: Which tight end has the most to prove in 2021?

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 01: Joe Wilkins Jr. #18 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Michael Mayer #87 celebrates during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-14. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame football: Which tight end has the most to prove in 2021?

The Case for Mayer

It is easy to look at this position group and see that it could be Michael Mayer who has the most to prove in 2021. Coming in as a true freshman, Mayer did not have huge expectations in Year 1, but he was an elite prospect, rated as the No. 2 tight end in the country, as well as the No. 1 player in the state of Kentucky.

As a true freshman, Mayer hauled in over 40 catches for 450 yards and a handful of touchdowns, becoming a solid security blanket for quarterback Ian Book. In 2021, he will be out to prove that his freshman season was no fluke and that he can put this offense on his back, especially with so many changes on that side of the ball.

The truth is, Mayer has already proven his worth to this program and is likely going to be a three-year starter that eventually is picked in the first round of the NFL Draft. He is carrying on a long list of elite tight ends for the Notre Dame football program and has the talent to possibly be the best one yet.

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